By John Umeh
In a decisive operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun State has intercepted a cache of firearms and a staggering 1,433 live cartridges concealed in a smuggling operation near the border axis. The interception, which officials described as a major success in the ongoing war against arms trafficking, was carried out by operatives of the Ogun 1 Area Command.
According to a press briefing by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, the arms were discovered following credible intelligence and a coordinated ambush at the notorious smuggling route in the border town of Ilaro. The items recovered included locally-made double-barrel rifles and a large quantity of 12-gauge live cartridges concealed in bags of rice and other goods meant to disguise the contraband.
“We acted on a tip-off and swiftly mobilized our tactical team to the scene. Upon interception and inspection, we uncovered arms and ammunition cleverly hidden in an attempt to evade detection. This is a clear threat to national security, and we are determined to clamp down on such illegal activities,” Comptroller Ojo stated.
He further disclosed that preliminary investigations are underway to identify the syndicate behind the smuggling attempt. While no arrests were confirmed at the time of the press conference, Ojo assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and prosecute those involved. He emphasized that the command has intensified patrols and surveillance around Ogun’s border communities to prevent further infiltration of arms and other contraband.
Security experts have lauded the operation, noting the growing concern over the movement of arms through porous border areas in the southwest, particularly Ogun State, which shares an expansive border with the Republic of Benin. These regions have become high-risk zones due to smuggling activities ranging from petroleum products and rice to dangerous weapons.
The interception comes at a time of heightened insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, and the Customs’ success has been praised by stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser’s office and the Nigeria Police Force. According to them, the seizure could potentially prevent arms from falling into the hands of bandits, political thugs, or other criminal groups ahead of upcoming elections and regional activities.
In his remarks, Comptroller Ojo urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information. He reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and curbing the importation of illegal items, particularly firearms, that fuel violence and criminality.
The seized weapons and ammunition have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and ballistic analysis.
This latest success underscores the critical role of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and community vigilance in the collective effort to combat arms smuggling and secure Nigeria’s borders.
